Refusing My God’s Advances

It was clear as glass that she was playing me, but I didn’t really understand it. Why act cute, and whatever else when you are so strong? 

I mean, I wasn’t that dumb that I couldn’t think up a handful of situations where that would be beneficial. Even so, I couldn't decide if she was playing me for a fool or not. 

“Leon?”  Aria asked from behind me.

I froze, hearing the person in my thoughts say my name. I shouldn’t be surprised that she caught up to me. In fact, she probably followed me here and waited for the perfect moment when my guard was down to talk to me.

My mind raced on what to say, but then I remembered something. Even though I had said some hurtful things to Shelli, we had grown closer because I was honest about my feelings. I didn't know if this was going to work here, but I was starting to feel like I didn’t even belong in this world.

I was probably going to regret this, but this world had hardened me. 

Turning my head to see Aria standing behind me with a worried expression, I let my feelings out.

“What is your deal? Why hide that you are strong from me? Why did you act nervous when I took your hand?” I asked, and the worried expression slipped off her face, replaced with a nervous expression.

“I am not acting. You are the first man that I have gotten close to. I have no experience with men or what I am supposed to act like around you,” Aria explained, looking down at her hand. 

“Even if I am strong, there are always stronger people. Each time we fight, the enemy takes actions that we could never dream of. This world has been locked in an eternal war for the last 100 years, and you have finally been summoned. I don't know if you can do more than me, but I believe that you are different.”

I locked eyes with the princess. “If you believe that I am different, then why aren’t you honest with me? Are you really as awkward around men as you are with me, or is that just another layer? Did you really fall for me, or am I just the convenient hero who came to save the world?”

I felt like it would just be better if I had never come in the first place. All of this felt like I was going to be forced into doing something I didn't want to. The signs were there.

A princess far from home. A gorilla woman hellbent on training me. A knight that no one wanted around but was sent from said far-off home. You couldn't write a more cliché story.

Aria sighed and sat down beside me, looking out into the vast sky. "I was forced out of my own home. My father hates me because his mind is infected by some kind of magic. I had no one but Mary to turn to, so we ran away.

She paused, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "I tried to get as far away from my old life as I could, but then I met you. I don't care that you are the hero, and if this world would let you, I want to tell you to ignore all the problems. Sadly, this world won't leave you alone. Even if you decide you can't trust me and we part ways, others will come for you.”

I looked at her, the sincerity in her eyes evident. "So, what should I believe then? I still don’t even know who the real you is yet. How do I navigate through all these layers of truth and deception?"

Aria smiled gently. "Trust your instincts, Leon. I know it's not easy, but you have a unique ability. Your legendary system can help you see through lies and deceit. Use it wisely, and don't let yourself be manipulated. I will also not hide anything from you from now on. I do really like you, and I want to be able to try holding your hand again."

I wish that was the case, but as far as I could see, I had no game-breaking isekai skill like that on my list. Maybe there was a chance that I might get something like that in the future, but that didn't help me now.

I sighed, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the complexity of this world. "My instincts are telling me that this is bad, and to get far away from all of this. At the same time, I know what you are saying is mostly true. If I don't figure out how to get stronger, I can't protect the people important to me."

There was a long pause before I spoke again. "I want to believe that you are that sweet girl I met in the village. The one that wanted to join my party to get away from everything, not draw me into a conflict that I am miles away from being prepared for."

Aria stared into my eyes with a determined look. “I am that girl, but I also am a lot stronger than you. I am not actually a healer, but my healing magic is on the same level as the other healers in the town. If there is anything else that you want to know about me, just ask, and I won't hold anything back! I will also make sure that Mary does the same!”

I leaned back, staring at the sky. The clouds lazily drifted by, and for a moment, I felt a strange sense of peace amidst the chaos of this world. "That makes me happy. I really don't like feeling like I am the only one who doesn't understand what is going on. I just want to laugh and smile with you, and get to know you better. You are only the second princess that I have ever met!”

Aria nodded, a look of relief on her face at hearing my decision. "Thank you.”

With that, I turned my attention back to the vast sky, contemplating the complexities of the situation I found myself in. The journey ahead was uncertain, and I needed to find a balance between trusting others and staying true to my instincts.